This was an absolute rollercoaster that’s impossible to put down. From the first page, this blood-soaked fantasy took me on a wild ride filled with jaw-dropping twists, high stakes, and an unforgettable romance. The worldbuilding is rich and immersive, and I was immediately hooked on the gripping premise, lesbian soldiers fighting zombies on a Titanic-like ship. What more could you ask for?

The story follows Nix, a career military officer, who is blackmailed by her ex, Kessandra, into joining her on a dangerous mission to an underwater mining town. Together, they face a terrifying mystery, a deadly pandemic, and some truly gruesome horrors. The setting, with its claustrophobic submersibles and looming undersea dangers, is beautifully crafted, and I couldn’t get enough of it. Thorne’s writing pulls you in so completely that you almost forget you're reading.

The dynamic between Nix and Kess is everything. Their enemies-to-lovers arc is a perfect blend of tension, resentment, and sizzling chemistry. Kess is a brilliant, haughty politician, while Nix is a more grounded, complex character with a rich backstory that unfolds slowly. Watching their relationship evolve was a rewarding experience, and I found myself rooting for them even when things got messy.

There were some pacing issues, particularly in the first third of the book, which was a bit slow as it set up the world and characters. But once the action ramps up, the pace quickens, and the book becomes nearly impossible to put down. The second half of the novel is a thrilling, emotionally charged ride, filled with heart-stopping moments and a plot twist that caught me completely off guard. It’s the kind of story that keeps you on the edge of your seat.

Thorne excels at creating tension, and the horror elements are intense and truly frightening. The gore and violence can be overwhelming, but for fans of bloody, action-packed horror, this is a must-read.

Though there are a few aspects of the characters and world that could have been fleshed out more (Nix’s character in particular, as she’s often “told” rather than “shown”), the overall journey was so engaging that it didn’t detract from my enjoyment. The relationship between Nix and Kess, the twists and turns in the plot, and the sheer chaos of the horror elements kept me fully invested.

If you’re into high-stakes, bloody action with a slow-burn romance and an immersive world, this is a must-read. It’s brutal, thrilling, and full of everything you want from an adult fantasy with sapphic elements. I can’t wait for the sequel!